Lighting devices for ceiling grids

ABSTRACT

A lighting device includes a housing, a light source, a light guide panel, a lens, and a rotatable clip. The housing includes an internal cavity. The light guide panel is configured to diffuse light emitted by the one or more light sources. The lens includes a base, a first side wall, and a second side wall defining an internal cavity. The lens is coupled to the housing such that at least a portion of the housing is disposed within the internal cavity of the lens and at least a portion of the light diffused by the light guide panel is emitted through the base, the first side wall, and the second side wall of the lens. The rotatable clip is coupled to the housing and is configured to mount the lighting device to an external structure.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.18/164,292, filed Feb. 3, 2023, now allowed, which claims the benefitof, and priority to, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/308,854, filedFeb. 10, 2022, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference hereinin its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to lighting devices, and moreparticularly, to lighting devices including a rotatable clip formounting the lighting device to an external structure (e.g., a ceilingtile grid) and methods for using the same.

BACKGROUND

Many indoor spaces (e.g., residential or commercial) have so-called dropceilings, which often include a number of ceiling tiles that aresupported by support members arranged in a grid. Various light fixturescan be used in connection with these ceiling grids, such as lightsrecessed the in ceiling tiles, lighting panels positioned in the grid(e.g., in place of ceiling tiles), and suspended light fixtures. Whilecertain lighting devices can be coupled to the ceiling tile supportmembers, these lighting devices suffer from several drawbacks andlimitations. First, placement of these lighting devices is limited todue to the grid arrangement of the ceiling tile support members. Inother words, these lighting devices generally must be arranged inexactly the same pattern as the grid so that they have adequatestructural support. Second, even if these lighting devices weresubstantially flush to the ceiling tile support member(s) and/or ceilingtile(s), they typically include an opaque heat sink that blocks lightfrom exiting the sides. As a result, these lighting devices form darkborders against the drop ceiling, which are aesthetically unappealing.

Further, many lighting devices include light emitting diodes (LEDs) as alight source, such as LED strips that are covered by a lens. However,lighting devices containing these LED strips suffer from severaldrawbacks and limitations, including hot spots on the lens, dark spotson the lens, uneven distribution of light on the lens, and the like.Further, while it may be possible to position two such lighting devicesso that they have abutting surfaces (e.g., abutting ends), there willtypically be a dark line or edge at the joint between the two lightingdevices, which is aesthetically unappealing. The present disclosure isdirected to solving these and other problems.

SUMMARY

According to some implementations of the present disclosure, a lightingdevice includes a housing, one or more light sources, a light guidepanel, a lens, and one or more rotatable clips. The housing includes aninternal cavity. The one or more light sources are disposed within theinternal cavity of the housing. The light guide panel is disposed withinthe internal cavity of the housing and is configured to diffuse lightemitted by the one or more light sources. The lens includes a base, afirst side wall, and a second side wall defining an internal cavity, thelens being coupled to the housing such that at least a portion of thehousing is disposed within the internal cavity of the lens and lightdiffused by the light guide panel is emitted through the base, the firstside wall, and the second side wall of the lens. The one or morerotatable clips are coupled to the housing and are configured to mountthe lighting device to an external structure.

According to some implementations of the present disclosure, a systemincludes a plurality of lighting devices and a plurality of rotatableclips. Each of the plurality of lighting devices include a housing, alight source, light guide panel, and a lens. The housing includes aninternal cavity. The light source is disposed within the internal cavityof the housing. The light guide panel is disposed within the internalcavity of the housing and is configured to diffuse light emitted by thelight source. The lens includes a base, a first side wall, and a secondside wall, the lens being coupled to the housing such that diffusedlight from the light guide panel is emitted through the base, the firstside wall, and the second side wall of the lens. Each of the pluralityof rotatable clips are configured to couple to one of the plurality oflighting devices and one of a plurality of ceiling tile support memberssuch that each of the plurality of lighting devices can be rotatedrelative to the plurality of ceiling tile support members.

According to some implementations of the present disclosure, a methodincludes removing a ceiling tile from a ceiling grid including aplurality of ceiling tile support members. The method also includescoupling a rotatable clip to a first one of the plurality of ceilingtile support members. The method also includes coupling a lightingdevice to the rotatable clip, the lighting device including a housing, alight source, a light guide panel configured to diffuse light emitted bythe light source, and a lens including a base, a first side wall, and asecond side wall, the lens being coupled to the housing such that atleast a portion of the diffused light is emitted through the base, thefirst side wall, and the second side wall of the lens. The method alsoincludes electrically coupling the lighting device to a power supply.

The above summary is not intended to represent each implementation orevery aspect of the present disclosure. Additional features and benefitsof the present disclosure are apparent from the detailed description andfigures set forth below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a lighting device,according to some implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A is an end view of a housing of the lighting device of FIG. 1 ,according to some implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a portion of the housing of thelighting device, according to some implementations of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 3A is an end view of a lens of the lighting device of FIG. 1 ,according to some implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B is an end view of a first bracket of the lighting device of FIG.1 , according to some implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3C is an end view of a second bracket of the lighting device ofFIG. 1 , according to some implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the lighting device of FIG. 1 ,according to some implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a rotatable clip and a portion of thehousing of the lighting device of FIG. 1 , according to someimplementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a partial exploded view of the lighting device of FIG. 1including and lens end caps, housing end caps, and finishing caps,according to some implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an end of the lighting device of FIG. 1including an alignment plate, according to some implementations of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of the lighting deviceincluding a mitered end and abutting another lighting device to form amiter joint, according to some implementations of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 9 is a process flow diagram for a method of installing one or morelighting devices on a ceiling tile grid, according to someimplementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of the lighting device of FIG. 1 beingpositioned along a ceiling tile grid, according to some implementationsof the present disclosure;

FIG. 10B is a perspective view of rotatable clips coupled to the ceilingtile grid, according to some implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10C is an end view of the lighting device coupled to the ceilingtile grid via one or more rotatable clips, according to someimplementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10D is a perspective view of the lighting device coupled to theceiling tile grid via one or more rotatable clips, according to someimplementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a plurality of lighting devices coupled to aceiling tile grid with rectangular ceiling tiles, according to someimplementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a plurality of lighting devices coupled to aceiling tile grid with a triangular ceiling tiles, according to someimplementations of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 13 is a plan view of a plurality of lighting devices couples to aceiling tile grid with a triangular and parallelogram ceiling tilesaccording to some implementations of the present disclosure.

While the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific implementations and embodiments thereof havebeen shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein bedescribed in detail. It should be understood, however, that it is notintended to limit the present disclosure to the particular formsdisclosed, but on the contrary, the present disclosure is to cover allmodifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spiritand scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-6 , a lighting device 100 according tosome implementations of the present disclosure is illustrated. Thelighting device 100 generally includes a housing 110, a lens 130, afirst bracket 140A, a second bracket 140B, a light source 150, a lightguide panel 160, a rotatable clip 170, and a power cable 190. Generally,the lighting device 100 is mounted to an external structure or surfacevia the rotatable clip 170, such as a ceiling tile support member thatis part of a ceiling tile grid. Advantageously, the rotatable clip 170allows the lighting device 100 to be rotated relative to the ceilingtile support member, thereby allowing the lighting device 100 to bearranged in various orientations relative to the ceiling tile grid.

Further, as described herein, in some implementations, a plurality oflighting devices that are the same as, or similar to, the lightingdevice 100 can be included in a lighting system wherein each of theplurality of lighting devices are mounted to an external structure orsurface, such as ceiling tile support members. In such implementations,the plurality of the lighting devices (e.g., two lighting devices, threelighting devices, four lighting devices, six lighting devices, etc.) canbe arranged on a ceiling tile grid in a geometric pattern, such as, forexample, a line, a rectangle, a square, a triangle, a parallelogram, ahexagon, etc.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the housing 110 of the lighting device 100includes a base 112, a first side wall 120A, and a second side wall120B. The base 112, the first side wall 120B, and the second side wall120B generally define an internal cavity 125. The base 112 includes acentral groove 114, a first threaded groove 116A, and a second threadedgroove 116B. As shown in FIG. 2B, the central groove 114, the firstthreaded groove 116A, and the second threaded groove 116B extend along alongitudinal axis of the housing 110 (e.g., along the entire length ofthe housing 110). The central groove 114 has a generally rectangularprofile, and as described herein, is sized and shaped to receive aportion of the rotatable clip 170 therein. The first threaded groove116A includes threads configured to engage a threaded fastener (e.g., ascrew) to aid in coupling the rotatable clip 170 to the housing 110. Thefirst threaded groove 116A can include a countersink or counterbore forreceiving a portion of the fastener therein. The second threaded groove116B is the same as, or similar to, the first threaded groove 116A. Thebase 112 also includes a first protrusion 118A and a second protrusion118B extending from a lower surface that, as described herein, contactthe light guide panel 160 when the lighting device 100 is assembled(FIG. 4 ). As shown in FIG. 2B, the base 112 also includes an aperture115 for allowing the power cable 190 to be fed through the housing 110.

The first side wall 120A extends generally perpendicular to the base 112and includes a first ledge 122A and a first slot 124A. The first ledge122A and the first slot 124A aid in coupling the lens 130 to the housing110. The first side wall 120A also includes a first flange 126 aextending laterally towards a center of the housing 110 to define afirst lateral groove 128A between an upper surface of the base 112 andthe first flange 126 a. The first flange 126 a and the first lateralgroove 128A aid in coupling the rotatable clip 170 to the housing 110.As shown in FIG. 2B, the first ledge 122A, the first slot 124A, and thefirst flange 126 a extend along the longitudinal axis of the housing 110(e.g., along the entire length of the housing 110). The second side wall120B is the same as, or similar to, the first side wall 120A andincludes a first ledge 122B and a first slot 124B that are the same as,or similar to, the first ledge 122A and the first slot 124A,respectively. The second side wall 120B includes a second flange 126 bextending laterally towards the center of the housing 110 to define asecond lateral groove 128B between the upper surface of the base 112 andthe second flange 126 b.

In some implementations, the housing 110 comprises aluminum and acts asa heat sink that aids in absorbing and/or distributing heat generated bythe light source 150. The base 112, the first side wall 120A, and thesecond side wall 120B are shown as being unitary and/or monolithic(e.g., formed as a single aluminum extrusion). However, in otherimplementations, one or more of the 112, the first side wall 120A, andthe second side wall 120B can be separate components that are coupled toone another (e.g., welded together).

Referring to FIG. 3A, the lens 130 includes a base 132, a first sidewall 134A, and a second side wall 134B. The first side wall 134A andsecond side wall 134B generally extend perpendicular to the base 132such that the base 132, the first side wall 134A, and the second sidewall 134B generally define an internal cavity 135. The first side wall134A includes a first ridge 136A and a first hook 138B, which extendalong a longitudinal axis of the lens 130 (e.g., along the entire lengthof the lens 130). Similarly, the second side wall 134B includes a secondridge 136B and a second hook 138B that are the same as, or similar to,the first ridge 136A and the first hook 138B. The lens 130 generallycomprises a material (e.g., a polymer) for allowing light to passthrough so that light emitted from a light source in the internal cavity135 is emitted outside of the lens 130. By contrast, the housing 110generally comprises a material (e.g., aluminum) that does not allowlight to pass through. In some implementations, the lens 130 includes afrosted surface (e.g., roughened, textured, or patterned) to aid indiffusing light in multiple directions.

Referring to FIG. 3B, a first bracket 140A includes a first hook 142A, afirst protrusion 144A, and a first angled portion 146A. As describedbelow, the first bracket 140A aids in coupling the lens 130 to thehousing 110. The first bracket 140A can also aid in protecting a lightsource (e.g., from mechanical damage during handling or assembly of thelighting device 100) and/or securing the light guide panel 160 betweenthe housing 110 and the lens 130. Referring to FIG. 3C, second bracket140B, which is the same as, or similar to, the first bracket 140A (FIG.3B) includes a second hook 142B, a second protrusion 144B, and a secondangled portion 146B, which are the same as, or similar to, the firsthook 142A, the first protrusion 144A, and the first angled portion 146A,respectively. In some implementations, the first bracket 140A and/orsecond bracket 140B extend along substantially the entire length of thehousing 110 when assembled within the lighting device 100.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the lens 130 is coupled to the housing 110 suchthat at least a portion of the housing 110 is disposed within theinternal cavity 135 of the lens 130. To aid in coupling the housing 110to the lens 130, the first bracket 140A is positioned between the firstside wall 120A of the housing 110 and the first side wall 134 a of thelens 130. More specifically, the first bracket 140A is positioned suchthat the first hook 142A is coupled to (e.g., via a snap fit) the firstledge 122A of the first side wall 120A of the housing 110. Additionally,the first protrusion 144A of the first bracket 140A is disposed withinthe first slot 124A of the first side wall 120A of the housing 110. Inturn, the first bracket 140A is positioned between the first ridge 136Aand the first hook 138A of the first side wall 134 a of the lens 130,forming a snap fit connection between the lens 130 and the first bracket140A.

Similar to the first bracket 140A, the second bracket 140B is positionedbetween the second side wall 120B of the housing 110 and the second sidewall 134 b of the lens 130. More specifically, the second bracket 140Bis positioned such that the second hook 142B is coupled to (e.g., via asnap fit) the second ledge 122B of the second side wall 120B of thehousing 110. Additionally, the second protrusion 144B of the secondbracket 140B is disposed within the second slot 124B of the second sidewall 120A of the housing 110. In turn, the second bracket 140B ispositioned between the second ridge 136B and the second hook 138A of thesecond side wall 134 b of the lens 130, forming a snap fit connectionbetween the lens 130 and the second bracket 140B.

Generally, the light source 150 emits light having a predeterminedwavelength (e.g., between about 400 nm and about 700 nm), which in turnis emitted from the lighting device 100 through the lens 130. As shownin FIG. 4 , the light source 150 is disposed within the internal cavity115 of the housing 110 and is coupled to an inner surface of the secondside wall 122A of the housing 110 (e.g., via one or more double sidedadhesive strips). In some implementations, the light source 150generally extends along substantially an entire length of the secondside wall 122A of the housing 110.

In some implementations, the light source 150 includes a plurality oflight emitting diodes (LEDs) that emit light having a predeterminedwavelength. The plurality of LEDs can include white LEDs, blue LEDs(e.g., III-nitride LEDs), red LEDs, green LEDs, yellow LEDs, amber LEDs,orange LEDs, infrared LEDs, ultraviolet LEDs, or any combinationthereof. The plurality of LEDs can be dimmable (e.g., together orindividually controllable). The plurality of LEDs can be mounted to asupport substrate (e.g., a rigid board/plate, a flexible strip/film,printed circuit board, etc.), which in turn is coupled to the secondside wall 122B of the housing 110. Generally, the plurality of LEDs canbe mounted to the support substrate using any suitable package (e.g., asurface mount package, a chip-on-board package, a through-pin package,etc.). Further, the plurality of LEDs can be electrically coupled to oneanother using any suitable mechanism or technique (e.g., in series, inparallel, via wiring, via traces, etc.). In some implementations, theplurality of LEDs can be at least partially surrounded by an encapsulantthat protects the plurality of LEDs (e.g., from mechanical damage)and/or modifies the light emission characteristics. For example, theencapsulant can include a wavelength converter (e.g., a phosphormaterial) that converts a first wavelength of light emitted by the LEDs(e.g., blue) to a second wavelength of light (e.g., white), which isthen emitted from encapsulant.

In some implementations, the lighting device 100 includes a plurality oflight sources that are the same as, or similar to, the light source 150.For example, the lighting device 100 can include a plurality of lightsources that are each coupled to the second side wall 120B of thehousing 110. As another example, in some implementations, the lightingdevice 100 can include a first light source coupled to the second sidewall 122B of the housing 110 (as shown in FIG. 4 ) and a second lightsource coupled to the first side wall 122A of the housing 110. In suchimplementations, the first light source and the second light source canemit different wavelengths of light (e.g., the first light source emitswhite light and the second light source emits one or more other colors).

The light source 150 receives power from the power cable 190, which isfed through the aperture 115 (FIG. 2B) in the housing 110. As shown inFIG. 1 , the power cable 190 includes a connector 192 that can becoupled to a power supply (e.g., an AC electrical outlet). In someimplementations, the connector 192 is coupled to a power feed wire viaanother connector, and in turn the power feed wire is coupled to thepower supply. In some implementations, the power feed wire includes aAC/DC converter for converting power from an AC electrical outlet. Insome implementations, the lighting device 100 further includes a powersupply enclosure that includes one or more constant voltage or constantcurrent drivers (e.g., three drivers) for powering the light source 150.As described herein, the lighting device 100 can be used in systemincluding multiple lighting devices. In such implementations, theconnector 192 can be coupled to a power supply enclosure that is alsocoupled to connectors from one or more additional lighting devices thatare the same as, or similar to, the lighting device 100.

The light guide panel 160 generally aids in diffusing light emitted bythe light source 150. In some implementations, the light guide panel 160comprises an acrylic material that aids in diffusing light acrosssubstantially the entire length and width of the light guide panel 160.The light guide panel 160 has a generally rectangular profile andextends along substantially the entire length of the housing 110 and/orthe light source 150. The light guide panel 160 does not include anyfasteners (e.g., screws) that couple to the housing 110 because suchfasteners would cause dark spots where light would not be emitted fromthe light guide panel.

To aid in avoiding such dark spots, the light guide panel 160 can becoupled to the housing 110 via an adhesive (e.g., one or more doublesided adhesive strips, which can be reusable). In such implementations,the adhesive strip(s) can have a width of about 0.375 inches and alength of about 3 inches. In some cases, heat generated by the lightguide panel 160 may cause degradation of the adhesive strip(s) (e.g.,reducing its holding power). Thus, the adhesive strip preferably has aheat resistance rating of about 120 degrees Fahrenheit. To secure thelight guide panel 160 the housing 110, the adhesive strip can have apeel adhesion that is between about 35 oz/in (N/100 mm) and about 70oz/in (N/100 mm). In one non-limiting example, the adhesive strip is a3M™ Flexographic Plate Mounting Tape or a 3M™ Cushion-Mount™ PrintingTape, which is generally used for mounting flexographic print plates tocylinders or sleeves. Such double-sided tapes are particularlyadvantageous for coupling the light guide panel 160 to the housing 110,for example, due to their holding power and heat resistance. Anothernon-limiting example, the adhesive strip can be a 3M™ Cushion-Mount™Plus Standard Combination Plate Mounting Tape, Product Number E1040H.

In some implementations, a first side of the light guide panel 160includes a laminate or film that further aids in extracting anddiffusing light from the light guide panel 160. In such implementationsincluding the laminate/film, the light guide panel 160 preferably has awidth that is about 2.875 inches or less (e.g., 1.75 inches). The filmcan be a matte polyester film coated with a pressure sensitive acrylicadhesive and a release liner backing. In one non-limiting example, thefilm on the light guide panel 160 can be a FLEXcon COMPUcall II® PM 100C MTC-329 L-23 58PW-8 film. In some implementations, the light guidepanel 160 includes a first end or end that is clear and a second end oredge including reflective tape (e.g., silver or white). The reflectivetape prevents light from escaping the second edge of the light guidepanel and reflects the light back towards the first edge, therebyincreasing light diffusion and extraction out of the light guide panel160.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the light guide panel 160 is positioned between thefirst angled portion 148A of the first bracket 140A, the second angledportion 148B of the second bracket 140A, the first protrusion 118A ofthe housing 110, and the second protrusion 118B of the housing 110. Thelight source 150 is positioned between the second side wall 122B of thehousing 110, the light guide panel 160, and the second bracket 140B.This arrangement aids in inhibiting physical contact between the lightsource 150 and another object or a user (e.g., if the lens 130 wereremoved).

While the light source 150 emits in multiple directions, the lightsource 150 generally emits light towards the first side wall 122A of thehousing 110 in a first direction. This light passes into the light guidepanel 160, which also emits light in a plurality of directions, butgenerally in a second direction towards the base 132 of the lens 130.The light source 150 and the light guide panel 160 are arranged suchthat the first direction is generally perpendicular to the seconddirection. Many lighting devices do not use a light guide panel;instead, they use one or more LED light strips that are coupled to thefixture housing. Using the light guide panel 160 is advantageous oversuch arrangements in that the light guide panel 160 evenly distributeslight across substantially its entire width and length, aids inpreventing or reducing hot spots on the lens 130, and aids in preventingor reducing darks spots on the lens 130. Further, diffusion of the lightby the light guide panel 160 aids in causing light to be emitted throughthe first side wall 134 a and the second side wall 134 b of the lens 130(e.g., as opposed to only through the base 132 of the lens 130).

Coupling the lens 130 to the housing 110 such that a portion of the lens130 wraps around the housing 110 is advantageous for several reasons. Inmany lighting devices, a lens may be disposed within the housing (e.g.,heat sink) such that the housing warps around the edges of the lens.However, in this arrangement, the housing blocks light from passingthrough the sides of the lens. By contrast, the arrangement of the lens130 and the housing 110 in the lighting device 100 permits a portion ofthe light diffused by the light guide panel 160 to be emitted not onlythrough the base 132 of the lens 130, but at least a portion of thefirst side wall 134 a and the second side wall 134 b of the lens 130(e.g., at least the portion of the first side wall 134 a between thefirst ridge 136A and the base 132 and at least the portion of the secondside wall 134 b between the second ridge 136B and the base 132).Accordingly, light will be emitted from multiple surfaces of the lens130 (e.g., not just the bottom surface), which is particularlyadvantageous when the lighting device 100 is mounted to an externalsurface, such as a ceiling tile grid. Light emitted from the first sidewall 134 a and second side wall 134 b of the lens 130 hides or obscuresthe housing 110 when the lighting device 100 is mounted to a ceilingtile grid and aids in reducing the contrast borders of a dark ceilingfor a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. The light emitted from thelens 130 also creates a halo lighting effect that counters the cavelighting effect that is typical for recessed light fixtures.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the rotatable clip 170 includes a base plate 172and a rotatable portion 180. The base plate 172 includes an aperture 174for receiving a rivet 178 therein for coupling the rotatable portion 180to the base plate 172. The base plate 172 is sized and shaped such thata first portion can be received within the first lateral groove 128A ofthe housing 110 and a second portion can be received within the secondlateral groove 128B of the housing 110 to aid in coupling the rotatableclip 170 to the housing 110. As shown, the base plate 172 includesopposing curved edges, which aid in permitting lateral movement of thebase plate 172 relative to the housing 110 with the edges engaged by thefirst lateral groove 128A and the second lateral groove 128B of thehousing 110. Lateral movement of the base plate 172 relative to thehousing 110 allows an installer to position the rotatable clip 170 atany location along the length of the housing 110. The base plate 172also includes a first aperture 176A and a second aperture 176B so thatthe base plate 172 can be coupled to the housing 110A via a firstfastener 188A that threadingly engages the first threaded groove 116A ofthe housing 110 and a second fastener 188B that threadingly engages thesecond threaded groove 116B of the housing 110 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1). Additionally, the rivet 178 is disposed within the central groove 114of the housing 110 when the rotatable clip 170 is coupled to the housing110.

The rotatable portion 180 includes an aperture 182, a first deflectablearm 184A, a second deflectable arm 184B, a first clasp 186A, and asecond clasp 186B. The first deflectable arm 184A and the seconddeflectable arm 184B are moveable relative to the rest of the rotatableportion 180. As described herein, the deflectable arm 184A, the seconddeflectable arm 184B, the first clasp 186A, and the second clasp 186Bengage edges of a ceiling tile support member to mount the lightingdevice 100 to a ceiling grid. The rotatable portion 180 is coupled tothe base plate 172 via the rivet 178 (which extends through the aperture182) such that the rotatable portion 180 can rotate 360 degrees relativeto the base plate 172. When the base plate 172 is coupled to the housing110, the rotatable portion 180 can rotate 360 degrees relative to thebase plate 172 and the housing 110. Similarly, when the rotatableportion 180 is mounted to a ceiling tile support member, the entirelighting device 100 can rotate 360 degrees relative to the ceiling tilesupport member.

While the lighting device 100 is shown as including one rotatable clip170, in some implementations, the lighting device 100 includes aplurality of rotatable clips that are the same as, or similar to, therotatable clip 170. For example, in such implementations, the lightingdevice 100 can include a plurality of rotatable clips coupled to thehousing at a predetermined interval (e.g., every 12 inches, every 18inches, every 24 inches, every 36 inches, etc.). The rotatable clip 170comprises a metal material (e.g., steel, aluminum, etc.), although othermaterials are contemplated (e.g., polymers). The base plate 172 and therotatable portion 180 can comprise the same material, or differentmaterials (e.g., the base plate 172 comprises a metal and the rotatableportion 180 comprises a polymer).

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6 , in some implementations, the lightingdevice 100 includes a first lens end cap 210A, a first housing end cap220A, and a first finishing end cap 230A on a first end of the lightingdevice 100 (FIGS. 5 and 6 ) and/or a second lens end cap 210B, a secondhousing end cap 220B, and a second finishing end cap 230B on a secondend of the lighting device 100 (FIG. 6 ). The first lens cap 210A iscoupled to (e.g., adhered to) the first side wall 134A, the second sidewall 134A, and the base 132 of the lens 130 to enclose the end of thelens 130. The first lens end cap 210A can comprise the same material asthe rest of the lens 130, or a different material or finish. The secondlens cap 210B (FIG. 6 ) is the same as, or similar to, the first lenscap 210A.

The first housing end cap 220A abuts a first end of the first side wall120A, the second side wall 120B, and the base 112 of the housing 110.The housing end cap 220 includes a tongue 222A that engages the centralgroove 114 of the housing 110 to couple the housing end cap 220 to thehousing 110 (e.g., via a press or interference fit). The first housingend cap 220A creates a flush surface at the end of the lighting device100 and inhibits light from the light source 150 and/or light guidepanel 160 from being emitted out of the end of the housing 110. Thesecond housing end cap 220B is the same as, or similar to, the firsthousing end cap 220B and is coupled to a second, opposing end of thelighting device 100 (FIG. 6 ).

The first finishing end cap 230A abuts the first housing end cap 220Aand includes a tongue 232A that is received within the first lateralgroove 128A and the second lateral groove 128B of the housing 110 tocouple the finishing end cap 230 to the housing 110. Together, the firsthousing end cap 220A and first finishing end cap 230A create a flushsurface along the entire end of the housing 110. The second finishingend cap 230B is the same as, or similar to, the first finishing end cap230A and includes a tongue 232B that is the same as, or similar to, thetongue 232A of the first finishing end cap 230A.

Referring to FIG. 7 , in some implementations, the lighting device 100includes the first lens end cap 210A, the first housing end cap 220A,and an alignment plate 240 (instead of the finishing end cap 230A). Thealignment plate 240 is generally used to couple the lighting device 100to another lighting device that is the same as, or similar to, thelighting device 100. The alignment plate 240 is received within lateralgroove 128A and the second lateral groove 128B of the housing 110 tocouple the alignment plate 240 to the housing 110. Further, thealignment plate 240 includes apertures for receiving fasteners (e.g.,screws) therein, which threadingly engage the first threaded groove 116Aand the second threaded groove 116B of the housing 110 to couple thealignment plate 240 to the housing 110. A shown in FIG. 7 , the lightingdevice 100, in some implementations, can have a mitered end (e.g., anangled end as opposed to a straight end) for abutting another lightingdevice. In such implementations, the miter angle can be between about 30degrees and about 80 degrees (e.g., 45 degrees, 60 degrees, 75 degrees,etc.). One or both ends of the lighting device 100 can have a miteredend.

As described herein, the lighting device 100 can be arranged (e.g., whencoupled to a ceiling tile support member via the rotatable clip 170) sothat an end abuts an end of another lighting device. The alignment plate240 aids in aligning the lighting device 100 with the other lightingdevice so that the edges are flush. This aids in preventing or reducingany dark lines/edges in the emitted light at the joint or juncturebetween the lighting device 100 and the other lighting device, giving anappearance that the lighting device 100 and the other lighting deviceare a single, unitary lighting device. For example, referring to FIG. 8, the lighting device 100 can be arranged to abut another lightingdevice 800 that is the same as, or similar to, the lighting device 100to form a miter joint 802 (e.g., a 90-degree angle). As shown, there isa miter seam or edge 804 between the lighting device 100 and thelighting device 800. As described above, the light guide panel in eachof the lighting devices aids in diffusing light such that there is not adark line or edge at the miter seam 804 between the lighting device 100and lighting device 800, which would otherwise occur if the lightingdevices did not use a light guide panel. In other words, the miter joint802 gives the appearance of a single, unitary lighting device, asopposed to two separate lighting devices that abut one another.

The lighting device 100 described herein can have a variety of shapesand sizes. For example, in some implementations, the lighting device 100has a centerline length that is between about 24 inches and about 72inches (e.g., 24 inches, 30 inches, 48 inches, 60 inches, 72 inches,etc.). In some implementations, the lens 130 of the lighting device 100has a width that is between about 2 inches and about 6 inches (e.g.,about 3.5 inches). In some implementations, the lighting device 100 hasa depth (e.g., measured from an upper surface of the housing 110 to alower surface of the lens 130) that is about 1 inch.

As discussed above, the lighting devices described herein can be mountedto a ceiling tile grid. The ceiling tile grid can include any number ofceiling tiles and ceiling tile support members (e.g., brackets with aT-shaped cross-section). The ceiling tiles in the ceiling tile grid canbe rectangular, square, triangular, parallelograms, hexagons, or anycombination thereof, with the ceiling tile support members arranged in acorresponding pattern to support the ceiling tiles. The ceiling tilescan be, for example, flat lay-in or regular ceiling tiles.

Referring to FIG. 9 , a method 900 for installing a lighting device(e.g., the lighting device 100) on a ceiling tile grid according to someimplementations of the present disclosure is illustrated. The method 900can be implemented using any of the lighting devices described herein(e.g., the lighting device 100).

Step 901 of the method 900 includes laying out a pattern on the ceilingtile grid. For example, referring to FIG. 10A, step 901 can includepositioning the lighting device 100 adjacent to a ceiling tile supportmember 1010A between a first ceiling tile 1002A and a second ceilingtile 1002B in a ceiling tile grid 1000. For example, the installer canmark on the ceiling tile support member 1010A where to couple therotatable clip 170 of the lighting device 100. The pattern can be laidout in a number of ways. For example, the pattern can be laid out suchthat a longitudinal axis of the lighting device 100 is generallyparallel and coincident with a longitudinal axis of the ceiling tilesupport member 1010A. As another example, the pattern can be laid outsuch that the longitudinal axis of the lighting device 100 at an angle(e.g., 90 degrees, 45 degrees, etc.) relative to the longitudinal axisof the ceiling tile support member 1010A.

Referring back to FIG. 9 , step 902 of the method 900 includes removingone or more ceiling tiles from the ceiling tile grid. For example, asshown in FIG. 10B, the second ceiling tile 1002B can be at leastpartially removed from the ceiling tile grid 1000. Step 903 of themethod 900 includes coupling one or more rotatable clips (e.g., that arethe same as, or similar to, the rotatable clip 170) to a ceiling tilesupport member. For example, referring to FIG. 10B, a ceiling tile 1002Bis removed from the ceiling tile grid 1000 and a first rotatable clip170A is coupled to the first ceiling tile support member 20A and asecond rotatable clip 170B is coupled to a second ceiling tile supportmember 20B. The first rotatable clip 170A and second rotatable clip 170Bare the same as, or similar to, the rotatable clip 170 described above.

Referring again to FIG. 9 , step 904 of the method 900 includes couplinga lighting device to the one or more rotatable clips (step 903). Forexample, referring to FIG. 10C, the lighting device 100 can be coupledto the first rotatable clip 170A and the second rotatable clip 170B(FIG. 10B). To do so, the installer can position the lighting device 100such that the base plate of the rotatable clip slides into the firstlateral groove 128A and second lateral groove 128B (FIG. 2A) of thehousing 110 of the lighting device 100. Once the rotatable clip ispositioned at a desired location along the length of the housing 110,the installer can secure the rotatable clip to the lighting device 100using one or more fasteners (e.g., the fasteners 188A and 188B shown inFIG. 6 ) that engage the first threaded groove 116A and second threadedgroove 116B of the housing 110 (FIG. 6 ).

Step 905 of the method 900 includes connecting the lighting device to apower supply. To do so, the installer can run the power cable 190 of thelighting device 100 above the ceiling tiles in the ceiling grid 100 andconnect the power cable to a power supply (e.g., directly or via anotherfeed cable). Step 906 can also include replacing the removed ceilingtile(s) from step 901, as shown in FIG. 10D. In some implementations,step 906 includes forming a notch in the ceiling tile to permit thepower cable 190 to pass through the ceiling grid 1000 and not be visibleor exposed. As shown in FIGS. 10C and 10D, the lighting device 100 issubstantially flush with the ceiling tile grid 1000 when installed. Morespecifically, in the exemplary arrangement shown in FIGS. 10C and 10D,an upper surface of the first flange 126A and an upper surface of thesecond flange 126B (FIGS. 2A and 2B) of the housing 110 generallycontact surface of the ceiling tile 1002A and the ceiling tile 1002B sothat there is no visible gap between the lighting device 100 and theceiling tiles.

Referring to FIG. 11 , one or more lighting devices forming a pluralityof lighting systems are shown coupled to a ceiling tile grid 1100,according to some implementations of the present disclosure. The ceilingtile grid 1100 includes a first plurality of rows of ceiling tilesupport members 1110A-1110G and a second plurality of rows of ceilingtile support members 1120A-1120J. In this arrangement, the supportmembers 1110A-1110G are perpendicular to the support members 1120A-1120Jto form the ceiling tile grid 1100.

In FIG. 11 , a first lighting device 1130 and a second lighting device1132 that are the same, as or similar, to the lighting device 100 arecoupled to the ceiling tile grid 1100. The first lighting device 1130 iscoupled to ceiling tile support member row 1120A (e.g., using a firstrotatable clip) and ceiling tile support member row 1120B (e.g., using asecond rotatable clip) so that the longitudinal axis of the firstlighting device 1130 is generally perpendicular to the ceiling tilesupport member row 1120A and the ceiling tile support member row 1120B.This configuration where the longitudinal axis of the first lightingdevice 1130 is perpendicular to the ceiling tile support members it iscoupled to can be referred to as an off the grid configuration.Generally, in an off the grid configuration, the lighting deviceintersects at least two ceiling tile support members. The secondlighting device 1132 is coupled is coupled to the ceiling tile supportmember row 1100B (e.g., using two rotatable clips) so that thelongitudinal axis of the second lighting device 1132 is generallyparallel with the ceiling tile support member row 1100B. Thisconfiguration where the second lighting device 1132 is parallel to or inline with the ceiling tile support member it is coupled to can bereferred to as an on the grid configuration.

In FIG. 11 , a first group of lighting devices 1134A-1134D are coupledto the ceiling tile grid and arranged in an off the grid diamondpattern. Each of the lighting devices 1134A-1134D have a first miteredend and a second mitered end. In this diamond arrangement, thelongitudinal axis of each of the lighting devices 1134A-1134D isorientated at an angle relative to the ceiling tile support members towhich it is coupled.

In FIG. 11 , a second group of lighting devices 1136A-1136C are coupledto the ceiling tile grid 1100 in an off the grid x-shaped or crosspattern. Each of the lighting devices 1136A-1136C are the same as, orsimilar to, the lighting device 100. A first end of lighting device1136B abuts the lighting device 1136A (e.g., approximately at themidpoint of the lighting device 1136A). The lighting device 1136C likelyabuts the lighting device 1136A, thereby forming an x-shaped or crosspattern. The longitudinal axes of the lighting devices 1136A-1136C areorientated at angle relative to the ceiling tile support members towhich they are attached.

Still referring to FIG. 11 , a third group of lighting devices1138A-1338A are coupled to the ceiling tile grid 1110 in an off the grid1-shaped pattern. The lighting devices 1138A and 1138B are the same as,or similar to, the lighting device 700 and the lighting device 800(FIGS. 8A and 8B) described herein and form a 90-degree angle where afirst end of the lighting device 1138A abuts a first end of the lightingdevice 1138B. More specifically, the lighting device 1138A is coupled toceiling tile support member row 1100F and is orientated so that itslongitudinal axis is perpendicular to ceiling tile support member row1100F. The lighting device 1138B is coupled ceiling tile support members1120A and 1120B and is orientated so that its longitudinal axis isperpendicular to ceiling tile support members 1120A and 1120B. Thelighting device 1138C is positioned so that a first end of the lightingdevice 1138C abuts a second end of the lighting device 1138B.

Referring to FIG. 11 , a fourth group of lighting devices 1140A and1140B, which are the same as, or similar to, the lighting device 100described herein, are coupled to the ceiling tile grid 1110 in an offthe grid t-shaped pattern. The lighting device 1140A is coupled toceiling tile support member row 1110F and the lighting device 1140B iscoupled to ceiling tile support member rows 1120F and 1120G.

Referring still to FIG. 11 , a fifth group of lighting devices1142A-1142C are coupled to the ceiling tile grid 1110 in an arrangementthat is partially off the grid and partially on the grid. Specifically,the lighting device 1142A is coupled to ceiling tile support member row1100E and the lighting device 1142C is coupled to ceiling tile supportmember row 1100F. The lighting device 1142B has a first mitered end anda second mitered end that abut respective mitered ends of the lightingdevice 1142A and the lighting device 1142C.

Referring to FIG. 11 , a sixth group of lighting devices 1144A-1144D arecoupled to the ceiling tile grid 1110 in an off the grid rectangulararrangement. Each of the lighting devices 1144A-1144D has a firstmitered end and a second mitered end to form the rectangular arrangementshown in FIG. 11 . The lighting device 1144A and the lighting device1144C are coupled to ceiling tile support member rows 1120E, 1120F, and1120G, while lighting devices 1144B and 1144 are coupled to ceiling tilesupport member rows 1100B, 1100C, and 1100D.

Referring to FIG. 11 , a seventh group of lighting devices 1146A-1146Dare coupled to the ceiling tile grid 1110 in an on the grid rectangulararrangement. The seventh group of lighting devices 1146A-1146D is thesame as, or similar to, the sixth group of lighting devices 1144A-1144Ddescribed above except that each of the lighting devices 1146A-1146D arecoupled to only one of the ceiling tile support member rows (in thisexample, rows 1100B, 1100D, 1120E, and 1120G).

Referring to FIG. 11 , an eight group of lighting devices 1148A-1148Fare coupled to the ceiling tile grid 1110 in an off the grid rectangulararrangement. The eighth group is similar to the sixth group of lightingdevices 1144A-1144D described above except that lighting devices 1148A,1148B, 1148CD, and 1148E each have only one mitered end, while lightingdevices 1148C and 1146F each have two mitered ends.

Referring to FIG. 12 , one or more lighting devices (e.g., which can begrouped together to form a plurality of lighting systems) are coupled toa ceiling tile grid 1200, according to some implementations of thepresent disclosure. The ceiling tile grid 1200 is similar to the ceilingtile grid 1100 (FIG. 11 ), but differs in that ceiling tile supportmember rows 1210A-1210D and 1220A-1220B are arranged in a 60-degreepattern to support triangular ceiling tiles (e.g., as opposed torectangular or square ceiling tiles). In some implementations, a firstgroup of lighting devices 1230A-1230C are coupled to the ceiling tilegrid 1220 in an on the grid triangular arrangement, forming a 60-degreetriangle. Each of the first group of lighting devices 1230A-1230C has afirst mitered end having a first angle and a second mitered end having asecond angle, where the first angle is substantially equal to the secondangle. In some implementations, a second group of lighting devices1240A-1240F are coupled to the ceiling tile grid 1220 in an on the gridhexagonal arrangement, forming a 60-degree hexagon. Each of the firstgroup of lighting devices 1240A-1240F has a first mitered end having afirst angle and a second mitered end having a second angle, where thefirst angle is substantially equal to the second angle.

Referring to FIG. 13 , one or more lighting devices (e.g., which can begrouped together to form a plurality of lighting systems) are coupled toa ceiling tile grid 1300, according to some implementations of thepresent disclosure. The ceiling tile grid 1300 is similar to the ceilingtile grid 1100 (FIG. 11 ), but differs in that ceiling tile supportmember rows are arranged in a 75-degree pattern to support triangularand parallelogram ceiling tiles (e.g., as opposed to rectangular orsquare ceiling tiles). In some implementations, a first group oflighting devices 1330A-1330C is coupled to the ceiling tile grid 1300 inan on the grid triangular arrangement, forming a 75-degree triangle. Thelighting device 1332A has a first mitered end having a first angle and asecond mitered end having a second angle, where the first angle issubstantially equal to the second angle. The lighting devices 1332B and1332C each have a first mitered end having a first angle and a secondmitered end having a second angle, where the first angle is differentthan the second angle. In some implementations, a second group oflighting devices 1332A-1332D are coupled to the ceiling tile grid 1300in an on the grid parallelogram arrangement, forming a 75-degree rightparallelogram. In other implementations, a group of lighting devicesthat are the same as, or similar to, the second group of lightingdevices 1332A-1332D can be coupled to the ceiling tile grid 1300 in anon the grid parallelogram arrangement, forming a 75-degree leftparallelogram.

In some implementations, a group of lighting devices that are the sameas, or similar to, the second group of lighting devices 1332A-1332D canbe coupled to a ceiling tile grid where the ceiling tile support memberrows are arranged in a 45-degree pattern. In such implementations, thegroup of lighting devices can be coupled to the ceiling tile grid andarranged in either a 45-degree left parallelogram arrangement or a45-degree right parallelogram arrangement.

One or more elements or aspects or steps, or any portion(s) thereof,from one or more of any of claims below can be combined with one or moreelements or aspects or steps, or any portion(s) thereof, from one ormore of any of the other claims below or combinations thereof, to formone or more additional implementations and/or claims of the presentdisclosure.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to one ormore particular embodiments or implementations, those skilled in the artwill recognize that many changes may be made thereto without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Each of theseimplementations and obvious variations thereof is contemplated asfalling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It isalso contemplated that additional implementations according to aspectsof the present disclosure may combine any number of features from any ofthe implementations described herein.

1-37. (canceled)
 38. A method comprising: removing a ceiling tile from aceiling grid including a plurality of ceiling tile support members;coupling a rotatable clip to a first one of the plurality of ceilingtile support members in the ceiling grid; coupling a lighting device tothe rotatable clip, the lighting device including (i) a housing, (ii) alight source, (iii) a light guide panel configured to diffuse lightemitted by the light source, and (iv) a lens including a base, a firstside wall, and a second side wall, the lens being coupled to the housingsuch that at least a portion of the diffused light is emitted throughthe base, the first side wall, and the second side wall of the lens; andelectrically coupling the lighting device to a power supply.
 39. Themethod of claim 38, further comprising repositioning the ceiling tile inthe ceiling grid subsequent to electrically coupling the lighting deviceto the power supply.
 40. The method of claim 38, wherein the couplingthe lighting device to the rotatable clip includes positioning thelighting device at a first orientation relative to the first one of theplurality of ceiling tile support members.
 41. The method of claim 40,wherein in the first orientation, a longitudinal axis of the lightingdevice is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the first one ofthe plurality of ceiling tile support members.
 42. The method of claim40, wherein in the first orientation, a longitudinal axis of thelighting device is generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of thefirst one of the plurality of ceiling tile support members.
 43. Themethod of claim 40, wherein in the first orientation, a longitudinalaxis of the lighting device is at an angle relative to a longitudinalaxis of the first one of the plurality of ceiling tile support members.44. The method of claim 43, wherein the angle is between about 30degrees and about 75 degrees.
 45. (canceled)
 46. The method of claim 41,further comprising positioning the lighting device at a secondorientation relative to the first one of the plurality of ceiling tilesupport members.
 47. The method of claim 46, wherein in the firstorientation, a longitudinal axis of the lighting device is generallyparallel to a longitudinal axis of the first one of the plurality ofceiling tile support members, and wherein in the second orientation, thelongitudinal axis of the lighting device is at an angle relative to thelongitudinal axis of the first one of the plurality of ceiling tilesupport members.
 48. The method of claim 47, wherein the angle isbetween about 10 degrees and about 90 degrees.
 49. The method of claim40, further comprising: removing a second ceiling tile from the ceilinggrid; coupling a second rotatable clip to a second one of the pluralityof ceiling tile support members; coupling a second lighting device tothe rotatable clip, the second lighting device including (i) a housing,(ii) a light source, (iii) a light guide panel configured to diffuselight emitted by the light source, and (iv) a lens including a base, afirst side wall, and a second side wall, the lens being coupled to thehousing such that at least a portion of the diffused light is emittedthrough the base, the first side wall, and the second side wall of thelens; and positioning the second lighting device at a second orientationrelative to the second one of the plurality of ceiling tile supportmembers.
 50. The method of claim 49, wherein the second orientation isthe same as the first orientation.
 51. The method of claim 49, whereinin the second orientation, a longitudinal axis of the second lightingdevice is at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the lightingdevice.
 52. The method of claim 51, further comprising coupling thesecond lighting device to the lighting device.
 53. (canceled)
 54. Themethod of claim 49, further comprising electrically coupling the secondlighting device to the power supply and repositioning the second ceilingtile in the ceiling grid.
 55. The method of claim 49, furthercomprising: removing a third ceiling tile from the ceiling grid;coupling a third rotatable clip to a third one of the plurality ofceiling tile support members; coupling a third lighting device to therotatable clip, the third lighting device including (i) a housing, (ii)a light source, (iii) a light guide panel configured to diffuse lightemitted by the light source, and (iv) a lens including a base, a firstside wall, and a second side wall, the lens being coupled to the housingsuch that at least a portion of the diffused light is emitted throughthe base, the first side wall, and the second side wall of the lens; andpositioning the third lighting device at a third orientation relative tothe third one of the plurality of ceiling tile support members.
 56. Themethod of claim 55, wherein responsive to the lighting device being inthe first orientation, the second lighting device being in the secondorientation, and the third lighting device being in the thirdorientation, the lighting device, the second lighting device, and thethird lighting device are arranged in a triangular pattern.
 57. Themethod of claim 55, further comprising: removing a fourth ceiling tilefrom the ceiling grid; coupling a fourth rotatable clip to a fourth oneof the plurality of ceiling tile support members; coupling a fourthlighting device to the rotatable clip, the fourth lighting deviceincluding (i) a housing, (ii) a light source, (iii) a light guide panelconfigured to diffuse light emitted by the light source, and (iv) a lensincluding a base, a first side wall, and a second side wall, the lensbeing coupled to the housing such that at least a portion of thediffused light is emitted through the base, the first side wall, and thesecond side wall of the lens; and positioning the fourth lighting deviceat a fourth orientation relative to the fourth one of the plurality ofceiling tile support members.
 58. The method of claim 57, whereinresponsive to the lighting device being in the first orientation, thesecond lighting device being in the second orientation, the thirdlighting device being in the third orientation, and the fourth lightingdevice being in the fourth orientation, the lighting device, the secondlighting device, the third lighting device, and the fourth lightingdevice are arranged in a rectangular pattern or a parallelogram pattern.59-62. (canceled)
 63. The method of claim 38, further comprising forminga notch in the removed ceiling tile.